El Hierro

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El Hierro is the smallest island in the Canary archipelago, with only 278 square kilometers of surface.

It is the most western island of the Spaniard territory, and for long time, it was considered the end of the known world, where the zero meridian went through.

In 2000 was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO which implies that most of the fauna and flora are protected. Also the coast is included in the Reserve, all the underwater life is protected. But being a Biosphere Reserve has some inconveniences, like the prohibition of camping or collecting fruits and fish from the nature.

A hire car is the best option for discovering the remote wilderness regions. Reputable companies include CICAR [1], Cabrera Medina [2], PaylessCAR [3].

Transhierro [4]has a basic bus service which covers most of the island, with twelve routes and a modern fleet of buses. From the island's capital Valverde, two routes serve the port and the airport at times of arrivals. Towns served from Valverde are out to El Pinar, Frontera, La Restinga in the far south, Sabinosa and Pozo in the north-west and a bus down the coast to the Parador Hotel.

It is the ideal place to take a rest during few days, just relax, nature contact and paceful walks. The quiet environment helps you to relax, without noise nor stress.

But if you prefer more exciting emotions, in this 200 squared kilometres, you can find a lot of fun. From bike or horse riding, hiking, paragliding, etc. and of course scuba diving.

El Hierro is the most interesting scuba diving spot in all Spain. Because of the reserve, a lot of fish species live there, and other ones go there to find food (whales, sharks, dolphins, turtles, etc.).

In La Restinga, the southern village, with a population of less than one thousand people, there are nine Dive Centers, with the most modern equipment. You can buy your material or just rent.

Each center has its own boat, to take scuba divers out to open water. The instructors, good experts of the underwater spots, will bring you to the most interesting places, passing through lava arches, visiting ballon-fish lairs, and a lot of other fascinating sensations.